Efficacy and safety of enteral nutrition in prone position among critically ill ventilated patients: a meta-analysis

Introduction: Prone positioning in critical care units may reduce mortality in specific patients who have been admitted with severe conditions. Aim: The current meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of prone compared to supine position besides the safety and tolerability of different enteral feeding techniques in critically ill patients regarding mortality, pneumonia, aspiration, and vomiting. Material and methods: A systematic literature search found 25 relevant trials involving 1984 participants at the start of the study. Statistical analysis using the dichotomous analysis methods was used within the fixed model to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In comparison with the post-pyloric nutrition group, gastric feeding had no significant impact on the mortality rate (OR = 1; 95% CI: 0.76-1.32). While the findings showed a significantly higher incidence of pneumonia with gastric feeding compared with post-pyloric nutrition (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.43--2.57), there was no significant difference regarding pulmonary aspiration and vomiting (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 0.75-2.65 and OR = 0.92; 95% CI:, 0.66-1.27, respectively). Reflux gastric content was significantly higher with gastric nutrition (OR = 8.23; 95% CI: 2.43-27.89). Conclusions: From reduced gastrointestinal events to significantly higher vomiting rates, prone position during enteral feeding showed mixed effects. Post-pyloric feeding is more tolerated and safer compared with gastric feeding. The mortality rate is not significantly different between techniques.